Washington, DC

BELTWAY BLISS Ask a DC cyclist where to ride and, well, it gets political. The suburbs offer beautiful country roads, but the city has dedicated bike lanes. The bipartisan solution: Railroads converted to bike paths connect both, traffic-free. Here are some top picks.

INNER BELTWAY LOOP This 30.8-mile route passes DC's iconic sights—and avoids potholes and congestion—by stringing together paved bike paths and converted rail lines. Starting at the Washington Monument, head west toward the Lincoln Memorial. At mile 1.1, swing north on the Rock Creek Parkway Trail and follow the Potomac River to the Capital Crescent Trail in Georgetown. The next 7 miles climb 350 shady feet, then the route hits flat terrain between Bethesda at mile 10 and Silver Spring at mile 13.4. The clockwise loop tours Capitol Hill (one of America's oldest neighborhoods) and ends on the National Mall.

ROCK CREEK PARK DC roadies drop into the steep, craggy valley of Rock Creek for a quick adrenaline fix. Follow their lead on this hilly 21.4-mile circuit in one of America's oldest national parks. After a short spin north from the White House, descend a 6 percent grade into the park on Adams Mill Road. Once on the valley floor, climb Ridge Road and Oregon

Avenue on the park's western edge for a 2-mile stretch of punchy ascents. Near mile 8, fly down the winding 4-mile descent on Beach Drive before tackling the two climbs that dominate the last 9 miles.

POTOMAC PALISADE LOOP Maryland's suburbs offer challenging terrain and less-traveled roads. Follow the brick-lined streets of Georgetown to MacArthur Boulevard and pedal northwest along the Potomac for the centerpiece of this 53.4-mile route: the mile-long, 4-percent grade up Old Angler's Hill. Two miles later, grab a croissant at cycle-friendly Vie de France in Potomac, then head up the hills near Travilah for a rolling 10.5-mile side loop. Mile 41 takes you to shady Rock Creek Park before you merge onto 13th Street for the final stretch back into the city.

DOWNLOAD GPS maps and cue sheets for these rides and more at BICYCLING.com/washingtondc.

Best of Washington, DC

YOU WANT: A MORNING FIX

DO THIS: Order a Cafe Medici—2 shots of espresso with chocolate—at Busboys and Poets

GET THERE: 2021 14th St.; busboysandpoets.com

YOU WANT: A TUNEUP

DO THIS: Stop at The Bike Rack, one of the best shops in the District

GET THERE: 1412 Q St. NW; bikerackdc.com

YOU WANT: TO TEE UP

DO THIS: Head to H Street Country Club for indoor mini-golf and margaritas

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